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Minister Winde to officiate agreement to boost development of SA halal food hub

The Western Cape and Malaysia are set to partner to boost the development of a halal food hub in South Africa.

The Western Cape Fine Food Initiative and the Malaysian Industry Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) will sign a co-operation agreement to foster partnerships between the halal industries of the two countries.

It coincides with the 12th International Halal Showcase 2015 which is taking place in Kuala Lumpur.

"This is excellent news for the development of the Western Cape’s agri-processing sector. Project Khulisa has identified agri-processing as a key growth sector, with the potential to add up to 100 000 jobs and generate R26 billion for the economy under a high-growth scenario.

"The agreement is set to increase trade and economic opportunities between the two regions. Malaysia is a global leader in the development of halal standards. Our industry will be able to learn more from Malaysia’s international best practice and Western Cape producers will have increased market access."

Minister Winde will officiate the signing of the agreement.

During his stay in Malaysia, Minister Winde received presentations on the value of halal food parks in light of the growth of the sector which is currently valued at over USD 2.3 trillion. The Western Cape is seeking to capture of share of this market, specifically in Africa. The parks are clusters of manufacturing and service firms in the halal industry. The development of specialised food parks are one of the possible levers to increase the size of the Western Cape’s agri-processing sector.